1900.] OALENDAR OF THE GREENE CORRESPONDENCE, 275 
PETTIT, CHARLES (Col.) (continued ) : 
ready to mutiny for certain rights. Resolve of Congress, fixing 
the wages of wagon hire, totally ineffectual. Must not let army 
suffer for a little paltry saving. Alarming state of the fixed 
ammunition. Want of lead from Boston, Sir Harry Clinton 
has drawn off greater part of his force from King’s Ferry, leav- 
ing strongly fortified garrison; has fallen down towards New 
York; ignorant where he is or what he is about. Will cost 
4 300,000 to complete fortifications at West Point. No official 
news from South Carolina; tired of changing his opinion on 
the subject. Vol. vi, No. 1o2: 
1779.—July 24. West Point.—-Acknowledging letters of 16th and 
and 17th insts. Late resolutions of Congress, putting the staff 
wholly in the power of the executive officers of each State, 
will give finishing stroke to their department. Discusses the 
alarming results if he (Gen. Greene) is to be excluded from 
the honors of the line ; will quit the department at once; his 
rank preserved by Act of Congress and his claim a just one. 
Gov. Read and other members likely to feel the effects of that 
jealousy among the people, which they have been so industri- 
ous in promoting. NVoliyxt,, Nos-5: 
1779.—July 29. West Point.—Tyrannical Act of Congress con- 
cerning the staff; cannot think of it without falling into a 
passion ; number of resignations caused by it. Late Act of 
Congress, of gth inst., more mischievous in its consequences. 
Unless repealed, Col. Hay and all those acting under him will 
resign. Staff painted in such black colors by Congress that 
the resulting distress among the people makes all business ex- 
tremely difficult ; has written his sentiments to Congress, so 
that if they do sin, it willbe with their eyes open. Any action 
taken respecting Col. Coxe’s resignation? Settling of accounts 
an important matter. Col. Biddle must have money; as 
everything depends upon forage department ; he also is de- 
termined to resign. Lord Cornwallis just arrived from Eng- 
land to take command of the British army. Sir William 
Erskine gone home. British army drawing all their forces to 
York Island; main body of American army at West Point, 
but a detachment covers Connecticut and another New Jersey ; 
one under Lord Stirling, the other under Gen. Howe.  Seri- 
